Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Learning, Experimentation, and Bold Action

Over the past three years, the Chief Data Innovation Office (CDIO) team at Aga Khan University has been at the forefront of empowering more people to harness advanced analytics in their daily work. By streamlining the path from data to insight, the team is inspiring bold new discoveries and driven meaningful progress.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Farhana Alarakhiya , the Chief Data Innovation Officer, to reflect on the team’s achievements over the past year and explore what lies ahead in the coming year.?

What stood out most to you about last year, 2024?

Looking back, I’m filled with pride and excitement about the journey our Chief Data Innovation Office (CDIO) team has taken. This year was all about milestones, lessons, and embracing the power of experimentation. It was a year of learning, growth, and many FAILs—or as we like to call them, First Attempts In Learning.

FAIL sounds like an interesting approach. How did this mindset impact your work?

It was transformative. For example, we ventured into the world of Large Language Models (LLMs) to explore how our data repositories could democratize knowledge, enable data-driven decisions, and improve patient care at critical points. Along the way, we made mistakes, learned from them, and grew stronger. Embracing FAIL as a mantra helped us remain resilient and open to innovation.

We ventured into the world of Large Language Models (LLMs) to explore how our data repositories could democratize knowledge, enable data-driven decisions, and improve patient care at critical points.

Can you share a specific instance where this approach was particularly impactful?

Absolutely. Early in the year, we faced a significant challenge with our key data repository project. The initial design would not achieve the key objective we had set so we made the difficult decision to tear it down and rebuild it. It was tough at the time, but by December, the team reflected on it as our most significant win. The redesign process turned out to be a powerful learning experience and a steppingstone toward greater innovation.

That sounds like a major milestone. Were there other notable achievements in 2024?

Yes, one of our proudest moments was securing our first grant as a team under the UZIMA-DS umbrella. This project will focus on measuring the environmental impact of cloud computing and exploring how low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) can leverage cloud technology cost-effectively while minimizing environmental harm. We’re excited to share our findings in 2025.

It sounds like your team also made strides in community engagement. Can you tell us more about that?

One of the ways we engage external audiences is through curated events. For example, DataFest 2024 was a highlight of the year. Held at our Nairobi campus, it was a resounding success. The event brought together global voices to discuss the transformative potential of data and technology for Africa. One standout moment was the launch of the AfroFeminist Data Museum, which we co-hosted with Pollicy. The museum elevated diverse narratives in data innovation and was a significant step in promoting inclusivity.

As you look ahead to 2025, what are your hopes for the future?

We see data as a game-changer for Africa. Looking forward, we want to continue pushing for innovation and equity. I have a bold ask for the big tech players—Google, Azure, AWS: why does the principle of equitable opportunity stop at pricing? LMICs shouldn’t be paying the same rates as high-income countries (HICs). If these companies can leverage our talent through labor arbitrage, why not empower us with fair pricing? We believe this is a critical step toward leveling the playing field.

Why does the principle of equitable opportunity stop at pricing? LMICs shouldn’t be paying the same rates as high-income countries (HICs).

Here’s to innovation, equity, and a more level playing field in 2025. We remain committed to #DataForGood, driving digital transformation, and contributing to Africa’s rising narrative.

To learn more about us and our work, visit https://www.aku.edu/data-office/Pages/home.aspx.?

#DataForGood #DigitalTransformation #AfricaRising